Surface Active Aluminum Hydroxide—also called surface‑treated ATH or reactive ATH—is engineered for better dispersion, lower compound viscosity, and higher filler loading in halogen‑free flame‑retardant and filler applications. Banlanchem supplies consistent, high‑whiteness grades tailored to cable, rubber, resin, and coating systems.
Why Choose Surface Active Aluminum Hydroxide?
- Improved dispersion in polar and non‑polar matrices; fewer agglomerates.
- Lower viscosity and better flow at equal filler loading.
- Higher loading potential for stronger flame‑retardant and smoke‑suppressant effects.
- Stable mechanicals: maintain tensile and elongation with proper coupling.
- Hydrophobicity options reduce moisture pick‑up and increase storage stability.
- Halogen‑free, non‑toxic, low‑smoke formulation component.
In many compounds, switching to Surface Active Aluminum Hydroxide enables the same UL/EN test targets with smoother processing, or allows higher filler levels for stricter flame and smoke limits.
What Is Surface Active Aluminum Hydroxide?
It is standard aluminum trihydrate (ATH, Al(OH)3) treated with surface modifiers—commonly silanes, stearates, titanate or other coupling chemistries. The treatment reduces interfacial tension between ATH and the resin, improving wet‑out and dispersion. The core ATH still releases water endothermically around 200–300 °C, absorbing heat and diluting smoke.
Typical treatment types:
- Silane‑treated ATH for polar resins, thermosets, and adhesive systems.
- Stearate‑treated ATH for hydrophobicity and flow in EVA/PE, rubber, and coatings.
- Custom coupling for specialty resins or processing windows.
Applications of Surface Active Aluminum Hydroxide
LSZH Cable Compounds
In EVA/PE or EBA systems for low‑smoke, zero‑halogen cables, Surface Active Aluminum Hydroxide supports higher loadings (often 50–65 wt%) with manageable melt flow. Better dispersion improves surface finish and dielectric properties.
Rubber & Elastomers
EPDM, SBR, and silicone compounds benefit from treated ATH via reduced compound viscosity and improved extrusion or calendering. The material also contributes to flame retardancy and arc‑track resistance.
Thermoset Resins & Composites
Unsaturated polyester (UPR), vinyl ester, and epoxy systems use Surface Active Aluminum Hydroxide for flame retardancy and smoke suppression in sheets, profiles, and solid surfaces—while keeping gloss and clarity.
Coatings, Adhesives & Sealants
In waterborne or solvent systems, surface treatment improves compatibility, reduces settling, and enhances filler‑resin bonding.
Technical Specifications & Grades
Typical values (custom specifications available on request):
| Product Name | Active Aluminum Hydroxide | |||
| Index Model | TY-601 | TY-603 | TY-605 | TY-608 |
| Adherent water % | <0.2 | <0.2 | <0.2 | <0.2 |
| AL(OH)3% | >99.6 | >99.6 | >99.6 | >99.6 |
| SiO2 % | <0.02 | <0.02 | <0.02 | <0.02 |
| Fe2O3% | <0.01 | <0.01 | <0.01 | <0.01 |
| Na2O% | <0.2 | <0.2 | <0.2 | <0.2 |
| Particle Size D50(µm) | 1-2 | 3-4 | 5-6 | 7-9 |
| Whiteness % | 98 | 97 | 97 | 94 |
The comparison of aluminium hydroxide with active hydroxide:
| The comparison of aluminium hydroxide with active hydroxide | ||
| Performance | Alumibium hydroxide powder | Active hydroxide miccorpoeder |
| The surface polarity | Hydrophilic olelphobic | Oil-wet hydrophobic |
| liquidity | Bad | very good |
| Add the amount | 20% | 30%-50% |
| Flame retardant performance | improved | Increased signficantly |
| Material mechanical properties | Harder to tear | Keep the materials flexible and improve tensile strength and elongation |
| conclusion | The fineness of grain is more and more easily reunite.It is not easy to be distributed evenly in organic medium, and the combination of the base material is poor.It is very easy to cause the interface defect, and the material performance is decreased. | The particles are not easy to reunite, and they are so dispersed that they can form a strong bond and bond with organic materials. |
Popular grade families: Fine D50 (1–3 μm) for cables and coatings, Medium D50 (3–6 μm) for thermosets, and Coarse D50 (8–15 μm) for rubber and molded goods.
Processing & Formulation Tips
- Pre‑dry the filler to minimize moisture. Store Surface Active Aluminum Hydroxide sealed.
- For twin‑screw compounding, feed gradually to avoid surging; target uniform melt temperature.
- Consider a small dosage of processing aid/wax with stearate‑treated ATH to maximize flow.
- Typical loading for FR: 30–65 wt% depending on resin and standards (UL94, IEC, EN).
- Match particle size to surface finish and dielectric targets; finer grades improve smoothness.
Quality, Compliance & Packaging
Banlanchem’s Surface Active Aluminum Hydroxide is halogen‑free and compliant with RoHS/REACH requirements. Supplied in 25 kg plastic‑lined bags or 500–1000 kg jumbo bags. COA and TDS are provided with each shipment.
How to Select the Right Surface Active Aluminum Hydroxide
- Resin type: EVA/PE, EPDM/SBR, UPR/epoxy, or coatings—choose compatible treatment.
- End‑use tests: UL94 class, LOI, smoke index, dielectric strength, mechanical targets.
- Particle size: finer for cable/coatings; medium for thermosets; coarser for rubber.
- Sodium level: low‑sodium options for electrical insulation or sensitive systems.
- Processing: extrusion vs molding; temperature window and throughput.
Related Products & Reading
- Aluminum Hydroxide (ATH) – Base Grades
- Boehmite Powder (γ‑AlOOH) – High Surface Area
- Calcined Alumina – Fine Polishing & Ceramics
FAQs: Surface Active Aluminum Hydroxide
Q1: What is the difference between Surface Active Aluminum Hydroxide and untreated ATH?
A1: Untreated ATH can increase compound viscosity and agglomeration. Surface Active Aluminum Hydroxide is modified with silane, stearate, or titanate agents, which improve dispersion, reduce viscosity, and allow higher filler loading without losing mechanical properties.
Q2: Can Surface Active Aluminum Hydroxide improve processing in LSZH cable compounds?
A2: Yes. In EVA/PE or EBA LSZH cable formulations, treated ATH reduces melt viscosity, improves extrusion stability, and enables loadings up to 60–65 wt% while maintaining dielectric strength and surface smoothness.
Q3: What particle sizes are available for Surface Active Aluminum Hydroxide?
A3: Typical D50 ranges from 1–15 μm. Fine grades (1–3 μm) are recommended for cables and coatings, medium grades (3–6 μm) for thermoset resins, and coarser grades (8–15 μm) for rubber and molded goods.
Q4: Does surface treatment affect the flame-retardant performance of ATH?
A4: No. The core Al(OH)₃ still decomposes at 200–300 °C, releasing water to absorb heat and suppress smoke. The treatment mainly enhances dispersion and compatibility; FR performance is still achieved at proper loading.
Q5: What industries use Surface Active Aluminum Hydroxide most?
A5: It is widely applied in LSZH cable sheathing, rubber compounds (EPDM, SBR, silicone), thermoset resins (UPR, epoxy, acrylics), coatings, adhesives, and sealants.
Q6: Is Surface Active Aluminum Hydroxide environmentally friendly?
A6: Yes. It is halogen-free, non-toxic, and compliant with RoHS and REACH regulations, making it suitable for eco-friendly flame-retardant formulations.
Q7: How should Surface Active Aluminum Hydroxide be stored and handled?
A7: Keep the product in a dry, sealed container to avoid moisture absorption. Pre-drying before compounding is recommended for optimal processing.
Request Samples, TDS & Pricing
Need a consistent, halogen‑free filler? Ask for Surface Active Aluminum Hydroxide today. Request samples, COA, and grade selection help. Our team can recommend the best D50 and surface treatment for your line.
